HK P7: I think I want one

saw some recent threads on the HK P7. So after doing some research I see it comes in different configurations: M8, M13, M10, PSP etc.

so if I get a PSP-P7, I can't use 13 round clips that are used in the M13? Are the PSPP7 the most widely available? I don't see any M13 except on gun auction sites execpt for one and it is way more than what CDNN sells their P7s for.

I have my CCW permit now and would like to explore a CCW semi-auto. The squeeze cocking mechanism appeals to me. Only other gun I was considering would be one of the Sig CCW sized guns or a CZ CCW sized gun.

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TitaniumMan

July 20, 2008, 03:32 PM

I've wanted one since I was a teen. One old gun rag called the .40 S&W model the "P7M-Ugly." Just made me want it even more.

DrewH

July 20, 2008, 03:40 PM

The only P7 variant that takes the 13 round magazines (not a fan of the word "clip" for magazines :)) is the P7M13. It also has a substantially larger grip.

Most P7 variants take a rather expensive 8 round single stack mag, including the PSP; there are some .40 S&W variants and a .380, I believe. Any version but the 8 round ones would be freaking expensive these days. All are out of production.

I think PSPs are so common these days because they are selling used police ones. I prefer the P7M8's thumb relase for the magazines.

As for CCW the P7 is flat, accurate, has a nice trigger, and is sturdy, if a bit heavy. It has a pretty unique operating system, and I would advise you to practice a lot if you use it for CCW.

legion3

July 20, 2008, 03:57 PM

I CCW a P7PSP for several years, its a solid, heavy, accurate firearm with a unique cocking lever/grip. The PSP and the P7 have a European heel release, some are flush and some stick out. Its easy to master the Euro release with practice. These are the current and probably last bunch of realtively inexpensive P7's to come.

The M8 is a PSP with an American (sort of) mag release and uses a different mag than the heel release. And costs a lot more.

The M13 is terribly expensive and the mags are terribly expensive. My friend carried one for a long time and I had one briefly. Much heavier, fatter and frankly really a big gun for CCW.

All p7 mags are also generally rather pricey.

For a 90% worn gun :eek:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=105190112

For NIB

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=104969826 :eek:

FWIW

Chem Geek

July 20, 2008, 04:08 PM

Yea those P7M13 are seriously expensive. I would go for the P7M8 if I had the money, they are incredibly accurate and wonderful to shoot. I've thought about getting the P7 with the heel release, but I know it would always bother me not going for the one I really want, the P7M8. So I just need an extra ~$1200 or so, and I won't have to worry. :p

DrewH

July 20, 2008, 04:25 PM

Are the magzines used in the PSPs and the P7M8s not interchangable?

XNavyflyer

July 20, 2008, 04:44 PM

PSP's and P7M8's use different magazines.

DrewH

July 20, 2008, 04:49 PM

Thanks, did not know that. To be perfectly clear, they are not interchangable as well as being different?

AZGlock13

July 20, 2008, 05:03 PM

Yep, can't interchange between them. The reason why a P7PSP can't use P7M8 mags and why a P7M8 can't use P7/P7PSP mags is how each gun retains them in the grip. The P7M8 has an American style thumb mag release, so the P7M8 mags have a cut out on the left upper front side of the mag, where the P7PSP has an European style heel mag release, so the P7/P7PSP mags have a square notch cut out on the back bottom on the mag.

bodyarmorguy

July 20, 2008, 05:04 PM

They are great guns and fun to shoot. I have 3 of them, a P7M8, P7M13 and a P7K3. The K3 configuration is chambered in .380acp but it is convertable to both .32acp and .22lr. My only complaint with the guns is that even with the heat shield in the triggerguard on the M8 and M13 models, the frame does heat up reather quickly.

I was fortunate enough to have bought the 9mm models when the market was low...$600 each, one NIB and the other LNIB. Even more fortunate, the K3 was NIB as a Xmas gift :)

AZGlock13

July 20, 2008, 05:11 PM

bodyarmorguy, Welcome to THR!
Wow, you are pretty lucky with three different P7s. I only have a P7PSP. Does your P7K3 have an European style mag release? I'm not too informed on the K3 P7, but it sounds pretty neat.

sernv99

July 20, 2008, 05:59 PM

show some pics of those P7PSP

AZGlock13

July 20, 2008, 07:09 PM

Pics you shall have.:)

Since you mentioned you were also looking at Sig and CZ CCW sized guns as well, I thought I would show a picture of my H&K P7PSP next to my Sig P239 9mm DAK and also next to my CZ P-01 to give you a size comparison between them, which is very close to both. I also included two pics of my P7PSP in my Bladetech IWB holster. The only problem with the P7PSP as a CCW pistol, is that it is very top heavy, even with a fully loaded mag inserted, compared to a lot of other CCW pistols (I really have to tighten down on the retention screws on my Bladetech holster). When you use a restroom stall somewhere, just be a little more careful when lowering your pants down (you don't want the pistol falling out of the holster and onto the bathroom floor;):D) However, it is still a joy to carry (IMHO).

Just recognize they are very addictive. I bought all of this within 3 months.

DrewH

July 20, 2008, 11:01 PM

Yep, can't interchange between them. The reason why a P7PSP can't use P7M8 mags and why a P7M8 can't use P7/P7PSP mags is how each gun retains them in the grip. The P7M8 has an American style thumb mag release, so the P7M8 mags have a cut out on the left upper front side of the mag, where the P7PSP has an European style heel mag release, so the P7/P7PSP mags have a square notch cut out on the back bottom on the mag.

Thanks, this could save me some trouble when buying new mags for my P7 :)

Nice pictures. Glad I have kept my P7M8 down the years, it is by far the firerarm I have owned longest in my collection.

you guys forgot to mention the M7 (.45 ACP)...but then there are only about 3 floating around

the coolest is the M13 with a 5" barrel and 6" slide...the extra inch is for the compensator. it's the gun Bruce Gray used to shoot in IPSC competition against the 1911

Pilot

July 21, 2008, 09:52 AM

The current crop of German police trade in P7's is one of the best deals out there. Many are calling these PSP's but from what I've read they are actually P7E's. Whatever, they're called its a great gun and for around $650 you get one of the best guns made.

bodyarmorguy

July 21, 2008, 05:25 PM

bodyarmorguy, Welcome to THR!
Wow, you are pretty lucky with three different P7s. I only have a P7PSP. Does your P7K3 have an European style mag release? I'm not too informed on the K3 P7, but it sounds pretty neat.

No, the K3 has an "American" style mag release located on the frame at the rear of the triggerguard. Dimensionally it is also just alittle smaller than the M8 so they cannot share holsters. Shortly after I recieved it I had Lou Alessi make me an ankle holster for it. His design is the best and much copied by Galco. The pistol did prove to be just a bit large for ankle carry.

PX15

July 21, 2008, 06:16 PM

FWIW:

I have purchased three "A" grade HK P7's from CDNN during the past few months. Each pistol was $674.25 and two arrived in like new condition, and one was NIB.

These are fantastic firearms and I recommend them without reservation. Also a gentleman on the Sig forum (Steve) sells "B" grade HK P7's at a very good price, and his reputation is very good regarding the quality of the pistols he sells.

CDNN still has some for sale, you might want to download their online catalog, (it's free) that will give you more information if you have an interest.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_8774.jpg

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